Random Access Method for Multiple Numerology Operation

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure introduces methods and apparatus for configuring or preconfiguring random access procedures when there are multiple configurable numerologies for one carrier. In some embodiments, the random access numerology of the wireless device is configured using the system information block. In other embodiments, the random access numerology used by the wireless device is determined implicitly based on the detection of one or more synchronization signals.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior U.S. application Ser. No.16/316,316, filed 8 Jan. 2019, which was the National Stage ofInternational Application PCT/EP2017/074647 filed 28 Sep. 2017, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/402,768, filed30 Sep. 2016, the entire disclosure of each being hereby incorporated byreference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communicationnetworks with mixed numerology and, more particularly, to random accessprocedures in mixed numerology wireless communication systems.

BACKGROUND

Fifth Generation (5G) or Next Radio (NR) wireless communication networkswill provide support for multiple types of services using a common RadioAccess Network (RAN). Services provided by NR wireless communicationnetworks may, for example, include Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB),Machine-Type Communication (MTC), Massive Machine-Type Communication(mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC). Theseservices require different Quality of Service (QoS) in terms of delay,data rate, and packet loss rate. For example, URLLC requires low delayand/or high reliability. mMTC, which is often used for infrequenttransmission of small packets, typically requires long battery lifetimebut does not require low delay or high data rate. eMBB, in contrast,requires high data rates, often with strict requirements on delay buttypically less strict than in URLLC.

In order to fulfil the QoS requirements (e.g., delay) for differentservices, it has been proposed to introduce mixed numerologies in onecarrier so that the services mentioned above can be served over onecarrier. In mixed numerology systems, the component carrier can bedivided into two or more sub-bands with different numerologies tosupport services with different QoS requirements. The subcarrier spacingin a sub-band can be 2{circumflex over ( )}n×15 kHz, where n isconfigurable. Therefore, there is a need for random access proceduresthat can accommodate NR systems or other wireless communication networksusing mixed numerology. To date, little consideration has been given torandom access procedures in NR systems or other wireless communicationnetworks using mixed numerology.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure introduces methods and apparatus for configuringor preconfiguring random access procedures when there are multipleconfigurable numerologies for one carrier. In some embodiments, therandom access numerology of the wireless device is configured using theSystem Information Block (SIB). In other embodiments, the random accessnumerology used by the wireless device is determined implicitly based onthe detection of one or more synchronization (SYNC) signals.

Exemplary embodiments of the disclosure comprise methods implemented bya wireless device of random access in a wireless communication networksupporting multiple numerologies. More specifically, the methods may beemployed in mixed numerology systems using one numerology for randomaccess and a different numerology for at least one data channel.

According to one exemplary method, the wireless device receives SystemInformation (SI) from a base station or other network node in thewireless communication network. The SI contains configurationinformation indicating a configuration for random access. Based on theconfiguration information received in the SI, the wireless devicedetermines a numerology for random access. The method further comprisesperforming random access on a sub-band configured according to thedetermined numerology to establish a connection with the base station.In some embodiments, the method further comprises transmitting user datato the base station or other network node on a shared Uplink (UL)channel.

According to another exemplary method, the wireless device receives SIfrom a base station or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork. The SI contains configuration information indicating aconfiguration for random access. Based on the configuration informationreceived in the SI, the wireless device determines a first numerologyfor random access. The method further comprises performing random accesson a sub-band configured according to the first numerology to establisha connection with the base station. After establishing the connectionwith the network node, the wireless device switches to a second sub-bandconfigured according to a second numerology for data transmission on ashared UL channel. In some embodiments, the method further comprisestransmitting user data to the base station or other network node on ashared UL channel.

According to another exemplary method, the wireless device receives SIfrom a base station or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork. The SI contains configuration information indicating anumerology for random access. The method further comprises performingrandom access on a sub-band configured according to the indicatednumerology to establish a connection with the base station. Theindicated numerology enables the base station or other network node toprocess a random access preamble and subsequent transmission on a sharedUL channel using common processing hardware. In some embodiments, themethod further comprises transmitting user data to the base station orother network node on the shared UL channel.

According to another exemplary method, the wireless device receives SIfrom a base station or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork. The SI contains configuration information indicating aconfiguration for random access. Based on the configuration informationreceived in the SI, the wireless device determines a default numerologyfor random access. The method further comprises performing a randomaccess on a sub-band configured according to the default numerology toestablish a connection with the base station. After establishing theconnection with the network node, the wireless device switches to asecond sub-band configured according to a second numerology for datatransmissions.

According to another exemplary method, the wireless device receives SIfrom a base station or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork. The SI contains configuration information indicating two ormore available numerologies for random access. Based on theconfiguration information received in the SI, the wireless deviceselects one of the available numerologies for random access. The methodfurther comprises performing random access using the selectednumerology. In some embodiments, the method further comprises, afterperforming the random access, switching to a sub-band configuredaccording a different numerology for data transmission.

According to another exemplary method, the wireless device detects oneor more synchronization signals transmitted by the base station or othernetwork node. The wireless device determines one or more availablenumerologies from the detected synchronization signals and performs arandom access on a sub-band configured according to one of saidavailable numerologies to establish a connection with the base stationor other network node.

Other embodiments of the disclosure comprise wireless devices configuredto perform the random access methods described above. In someembodiments, the wireless device comprises an interface circuit forcommunicating with a network node in the wireless communication networkand a processing circuit configured to perform the random accessmethods. In some embodiments, the wireless device further comprisesmemory storing program code that when executed by the processing circuitin the wireless device causes the wireless device to perform the randomaccess methods as noted above.

Other embodiments of the disclosure comprise a computer program productcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingcircuit in a wireless device, causes the wireless device to perform anyone of the random access methods as noted above. Still other embodimentscomprise a carrier containing the computer program product. The carriermay comprise one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal,or computer readable storage medium.

Other embodiments comprise methods of random access implemented by abase station or other network node in a wireless communication networksupporting multiple numerologies. According to one exemplary method, thebase station or network node transmits SI to wireless devices in an areaserved by the base station or other network node. The SI containsconfiguration information for random access enabling the wirelessdevices in the service area of the base station to determine a firstnumerology for random access. The base station or other network nodemonitors a random access channel in one or more sub-bands configuredaccording to the available numerology or numerologies.

According to one exemplary method, the base station or network nodetransmits SI to wireless devices in an area served by the base stationor other network node. The SI contains configuration information forrandom access enabling the wireless devices in the service area of thebase station to determine a first numerology for random access. The basestation or other network node monitors a random access channelconfigured according to the first numerology. In one embodiment, therandom access method implemented by the base station further comprisesreceiving a random access preamble from the wireless device on a firstsub-band configured according to the first numerology and receiving anUL transmission from the wireless device on a shared UL channelconfigured according to a second numerology different from the firstnumerology.

According to another exemplary method, the base station or other networknode in the wireless communication network transmits SI to wirelessdevices in an area served by the base station or other network node. TheSI contains configuration information including two or more availablenumerologies for random access. The base station or network nodemonitors one or more random access channels in sub-bands configuredaccording to the available numerologies. In some embodiments, the randomaccess method implemented by the base station further comprisesreceiving a random access preamble from the wireless device on asub-band configured according to one of the available numerologies.

According to another exemplary method, the base station or other networknode in the wireless communication network transmits SI to wirelessdevices in an area served by the base station or other network node. TheSI contains configuration information indicating a numerology for randomaccess. The base station or other network node monitors a random accesschannel configured according to the indicated numerology. In someembodiments, the base station subsequently receives a preambletransmitted on the random access channel using processing hardwareadapted to receive data transmissions from the wireless device on ashared UL channel.

Other embodiments of the disclosure comprise a base station or othernetwork node configured to perform the random access methods describedabove. In some embodiments, the base station or network node comprisesan interface circuit for communicating with wireless devices in thewireless communication network and a processing circuit configured toperform the random access methods. In some embodiments, the base stationor network node further comprises memory storing program code that whenexecuted by the processing circuit in the wireless device causes thewireless device to perform the random access methods as noted above.

Other embodiments of the disclosure comprise a computer program productcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingcircuit in a base station or network node, causes the base station ornetwork node to perform any one of the random access methods as notedabove. Still other embodiments comprise a carrier containing thecomputer program product. The carrier may comprise one of an electronicsignal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storagemedium.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless communication network supporting two ormore sub-bands with different numerologies.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of mixed numerologies.

FIGS. 3a-3c illustrate possible configurations of the DiscoveryReference Signal (DRS) in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first exemplary method of random access implementedby a wireless device in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 5 illustrates a second exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a wireless device in a mixed numerology communicationnetwork.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third exemplary method of random access implementedby a wireless device in a mixed numerology communication network.

FIG. 7 illustrates a fourth exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a wireless device in a mixed numerology communicationnetwork.

FIG. 8 illustrates a fifth exemplary method of random access implementedby a wireless device in a mixed numerology communication network.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary wireless device configured for operationin a mixed numerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 10 illustrates a sixth exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a wireless device in a mixed numerology wirelesscommunication network.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless device according to another embodimentconfigured for operation in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 12 illustrates a first exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a base station or other network node in a mixednumerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 13 illustrates a second exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a base station or other network node in a mixednumerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 14 illustrates a third exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a base station or other network node in a mixednumerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 15 illustrates a fourth exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a base station or other network node in a mixednumerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary network node (e.g., base station)configured for operation in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary method of random accessimplemented by a base station or other network node in a mixednumerology wireless communication network.

FIG. 18 illustrates a network node (e.g., base station) according toanother embodiment configured for operation in a mixed numerologywireless communication network.

FIG. 19 illustrates a wireless device according to another embodimentconfigured for operation in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 20 illustrates a wireless device according to another embodimentconfigured for operation in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork.

FIG. 21 illustrates a network node (e.g., base station) according toanother embodiment configured for operation in a mixed numerologywireless communication network.

FIG. 22 illustrates a network node (e.g., base station) according toanother embodiment configured for operation in a mixed numerologywireless communication network.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary wirelesscommunication network 10 supporting mixed numerologies for user datatransmissions. The communication network 10 comprises a plurality ofcells 12, though only one cell 12 is shown in FIG. 1. A base station 20within each cell 12 communicates with the wireless devices within thecell 12, which are indicated generally by the numeral 30. FIG. 1illustrates three (3) wireless devices 30: an eMBB device 30 aconfigured for MBB communications, a mMTC device 30 b configured forMTC, and an URLLC device 30 c configured for URLLC. The base station 20communicates with the wireless devices 30 over a single componentcarrier that is divided into sub-bands configured according to differentnumerologies. In this example, the base station 20 communicates with theeMBB device 30 a, mMTC device 30 b, and URLLC device 30 c over datachannels in first, second, and third sub-bands respectively, which areconfigured according to different numerologies.

For illustrative purposes, an exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be described in the context of a NR communicationnetwork. Those skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that thepresent invention is more generally applicable to other wirelesscommunication networks 10 supporting mixed numerology for user datatransmissions.

FIG. 2 shows an example of mixed numerologies over one Component Carrier(CC) 50. More particularly, FIG. 2 illustrates two sub-bands 52 denotedrespectively as Sub-Band 1 (SB1) and Sub-Band 2 (SB2). SB1 is configuredwith relatively narrow subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and arelatively long symbol period compared to SB2. SB2 is configured with arelatively wide subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a relatively shortsymbol period compared to SB1.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate possible configurations of the DiscoveryReferenced Signal (DRS) in a wireless communication network 10supporting mixed numerology for user data transmissions. The DRScomprises a set of signals that can be used, for example, for cell orTransmission and Reception Point (TRP) discovery and identification, atleast coarse time and frequency synchronization, and mandatory SIacquisition for initial random access. The DRS may include a MasterInformation Block (MIB) similar to Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems,Mobility Reference Signal (MRS) and Channel Status Information ReferenceSignals (CSI-RS). Also Signature Sequences (SS) used in the process ofacquiring minimum system information may be included in the DRS. In NRnetworks, the DRS corresponds to the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB).

FIGS. 3A-3C show different DRS configurations for a component carrier 50having two sub-bands 52. FIG. 3A shows the two sub-bands (or RAN slices)52 of different numerologies sharing the same DRS signal of singlenumerology. The discovery of the other numerology is determined eitherby the transmission pattern of DRS signal or the content of DRS.Alternatively, the DRS only sub-band contains information needed forinitial system access and information beyond that (such as informationrelated to multiple numerologies) is conveyed to the wireless device 30using dedicated signaling. This design can save the DRS overhead formixed numerology operation and simplify the DRS search, but one wirelessdevice 30 which prefers the second numerology shall support the firstnumerology as well. But the DRS shall be carefully designed so that thewireless device 30 can derive good enough timing for differentnumerologies. We note that the DRS might be transmitted with anumerology different from both numerology 1 and 2: 3GPP currentlydiscusses to have default DRS numerology for each frequency band orcarrier frequency. If the carrier operates with a different numerologythan this default numerology (e.g., due to deployment or use case), theDRS numerology is obviously different from numerology 1 and 2. This caseis even relevant for a system that operates its carrier with a singlenumerology different from the default numerology.

FIG. 3B shows two sub-band specific DRSs located in the same part of thecarrier bandwidth. The actual sub-band dimension/placement is indicatedby the content carried by the respective DRS, e.g., a MIB transmitted aspart of the DRS. This design simplifies the DRS search and one wirelessdevice 30 does not have to support multiple numerology operation, butsynchronization monitoring performance may be impaired due to the DRS ofnumerology 2 is not self-contained in the sub-band 52. Furthermore, theDRS overhead is twice as large as in the first option.

FIG. 3C shows the DRS with multiple numerologies while the DRS of eachsub-band 52 is self-contained. There can be certain alignment betweenDRSs of different numerologies in time domain. The actual sub-banddimension/placement is indicated by the content carried by one of themor the respective DRS. The in band transmission of DRS has goodperformance of synchronization and Radio Resource Management (RRM)related measurement, but the location of DRS shall be adapted accordingto the bandwidth dimension/placement between sub-bands and the wirelessdevice 30 may need to take a longer time to search DRS due to the factthat the location of the DRS is not predictable. In this example, theDRS overhead is twice as large as in the first option.

Although different DRS examples are presented above, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that other DRS configurations are possible.

Given the large supported frequency range by NR—from less than-1 GHz to100 GHz—NR will likely define multiple numerologies. It is currentlydiscussed how DRS/SYNC signal should be configured. One possibility isto connect the DRS signal numerology to the operatingfrequency/frequency band, irrespective of the numerology used for othertransmissions on the carrier. Thus, a carrier using a single numerologymay contain a DRS numerology different than the numerology used for datatransmissions.

Another aspect that requires consideration is how to configure theRandom Access Channel (RACH) in a mixed numerology wirelesscommunication network 10. One possibility is that the wirelesscommunication network 10 may have multiple RACHs using differentnumerologies. Another possibility is that the wireless communicationnetwork 10 may have a RACH configured according to a single numerologywhile supporting mixed numerologies on traffic channels used for datatransmissions.

To address issues raised by wireless communication networks 10 usingmixed numerologies for data transmissions on traffic channels, thepresent disclosure describes methods to predefine or preconfigure therandom access procedure. In the description below, the numerology isloosely used to refer to the sub-band configured to the numerology.

Solution 1: Configure the Wireless Device 30 Random Access BehaviorUsing the System Information Block.

In exemplary embodiments, there may be different configurable randomaccess options. The base station 20 or other network node may include anindicator in the SIB to configure to wireless device 30 to use aparticular random access option. Below are some example options forrandom access procedures:

Option 1: Wireless Device 30 Shall Perform Random Access Via SingleNumerology.

According to this configuration, a wireless device 30 shall first accessthe wireless communication network 10 via one numerology and then switchto preferred numerology according to wireless device 30 type, traffictype and/or the preconfigured RAN slice selection rules. The numerologyfor random access can be the predefined default numerology or configurednumerology in the system information.

As one type of implementation of numerology switch, the wireless device30 directly switches to the other numerology without Time Advance (TA)correction using the preferred numerology. The TA configuration of onenumerology can be directly used for another numerology. Further, it isalso applicable to derive the power adjustment of one numerology basedon the accumulated power adjustment of another numerology. For thisimplementation, it is assumed that there is good synchronization betweennumerology and the Cyclic Prefix (CP) length used in the targetnumerology can handle the TA inaccuracy.

As another implementation of numerology switch, the wireless device 30may perform numerology switch with a specific TA correction using thePhysical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission or other UL SoundingReference Signal (SRS) transmission in UL. Based on the PRACH (or ULSRS) detection, the TA for the target numerology is derived and sent tothe wireless device 30 to correct the timing for UL signal transmission.

As one example, when the wireless device 30 switches from the firstnumerology of 15 kHz subcarrier spacing to a second numerology of 60 kHzsubcarrier spacing, the second numerology typically requires higher TAaccuracy because a shorter CP is used. In this case, the wireless device30 can be configured to transmit another PRACH (or any other referencesignals, e.g., UL SRS) using the second numerology for TA measurement.For the switch in the reverse direction, the wireless device 30 canswitch from the numerology with a short CP to a numerology with a longerCP. In this case, specific TA training is not necessary because the TAderived based on the default numerology is good enough.

Option 2: Wireless Device 30 Determines the Numerology for Random AccessAccording to the Traffic Type.

According to this configuration, a service type to numerology mappingrelationship can be preconfigured for a wireless device 30. When thereis session request from the wireless device 30, the wireless device 30determines the preferred numerology according to the session type. Thewireless device 30 can access the wireless communication network 10directly via the preferred numerology. In this setup, the SI contains alist of PRACH configurations, one list entry for each (group of)service. As one example, the wireless device 30 that applies for URLLCservices can access the wireless communication network 10 via thenumerology with wide subcarrier spacing.

As another example, some specific wireless device 30 may be designed forspecific application case, e.g., wireless device 30 for mMTC or URLLC.For such wireless devices 30, the wireless device 30 can select thepreferred numerology, from a list of numerologies supported by thenetwork, for random access according to the device type or the wirelessdevice 30. A wireless device 30 especially adapted for mMTC, can accessthe wireless communication network 10 via the numerology with thenarrowest subcarrier spacing (e.g., 3.75 KHz), while a wireless device30 especially adapted for URLLC may access the wireless communicationnetwork 10 via the numerology with the widest subcarrier space (e.g., 60KHz).

Option 3: Wireless Device 30 Adaptively Select the Numerology for RandomAccess.

According to this configuration, the wireless communication network 10configures the wireless device 30 to select the preferred numerology forrandom access, i.e., the SI contains a list of supported PRACHnumerologies and the wireless device 30 selects the preferrednumerology. A wireless device 30 that is nearby a base station 20 orother TRP can select the numerology with wide subcarrier spacing andshort Transmission Time Interval (TTI) to reduce the delay for randomaccess. However, for a wireless device 30 that is far from the TRP, thewireless device 30 can select the numerology with narrow subcarrierspace and long TTI to improve the robustness of the random accessmessages. Afterwards, the wireless device 30 can switch to the preferrednumerology according to QoS requirements (based on configuration fromwireless communication network 10).

Option 4: Single-Numerology System.

One possible setup is a single or multi-numerology carrier where the DRSnumerology is different from the numerology(ies) otherwise used on thecarrier. One reason for this approach could be that DRS numerology isconnected to frequency band or carrier frequency but the carrieroperates with another numerology. There are some PRACH preamble designproposals that do not require dedicated PRACH Fast Fourier Transform(FFT) hardware in the receiver but enable reuse of the data channel FFThardware. In this case the PRACH numerology should preferably match thenumerology used for other UL transmissions. A base station 20 or othernetwork node in the wireless communication network 10 may thereforeindicate in the SI a PRACH numerology that is the same (or least relatedin a sense that the PRACH preamble can be processed with the samehardware) as the numerology used for UL transmissions on the carrier.

Solution 2: Wireless Device 30 Derive the Random Access Procedure Basedon SYNC Signal Monitoring.

According to this option, the wireless device 30 derives the numerologyfor random access based on the detection of the SYNC signal(s).

As one example, the wireless device 30 derives the possible numerologiesfor random access based on the numerology (or numerologies) of the SYNCsignal(s). The wireless device 30 selects the numerology that is usedfor SYNC signal transmission for random access (or derived via a rulefrom the SYNC numerology). There are different pre-configurations if theSYNC signal has used more than one numerology,

-   -   It can be predefined whether to allow the wireless device 30 to        select either one for random access from the numerologies used        by SYNC signal; or    -   It can be predefined that the wireless device 30 selects the        preferred one from the numerologies used by SYNC signal        according to the wireless device 30 type or service type; or    -   It can be predefined that the wireless device 30 selects a        single fixed numerology for random access. For instance, for        SYNC designed as FIG. 3B, the wireless device 30 shall select        numerology of the first part of the SYNC signal (i.e.,        numerology 1).

Whether to allow the wireless device 30 to perform random access viaeither numerology, or different wireless devices 30 to perform randomaccess via different numerologies, the wireless communication network 10may monitor the PRACH transmissions in multiple numerologies, whichincreases the computation complexity on the network side. It is expectedto achieve the random access performance gain of either low latency orrobust enhancement of random access messages.

As another example, the numerology for random access is indicated by theSYNC sequence. There can be multiple SYNC sequences and these SYNCsequences are divided into two groups: a SYNC sequence from the firstgroup indicates that the wireless device 30 can start random access viathe numerology used by the detected sequence; otherwise, the wirelessdevice 30 can use any numerology used by the SYNC sequence.

With this background, various embodiments of the disclosure aredescribed below.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 100 of random access implementedby a wireless device 30 in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork 10 using mixed numerologies to support different services. Themixed numerology communication network 10 supports data transmissions toand from the wireless devices 30 over UL and/or downlink trafficchannels, such as an Uplink Shared Channel (USCH) and/or and DownlinkShared Channel (DSCH). When the wireless device 30 is operating in awireless communication network 10 supporting mixed numerologies fordifferent services or devices, the wireless device 30 may not know theresources and/or numerology used by the RACH. In the method shown inFIG. 4, the wireless device 30 receives SI from a base station 20 orother network node in the wireless communication network (block 105).The SI contains configuration information indicating a configuration forrandom access. The configuration can include, for example, thenumerology for random access. Based on the configuration informationreceived in the SI, the wireless device 30 determines a numerology forrandom access (block 110). It will be appreciated that the wirelesscommunication network 10 may employ a single numerology for the RACHeven where multiple numerologies are supported for user traffic, ordifferent numerologies on different RACHs. After determining anumerology for random access based on the configuration information, thewireless device 30 performs a random access on a sub-band configuredaccording to the determined numerology to establish a connection withthe base station 20 (block 115). For random access, the sub-band maysimply be the carrier or frequency resources used for random access.

In some embodiments of method 100, the wireless communication network 10may use a single numerology for random access even where multiplenumerologies are supported for transmissions over user traffic channels.In this case, the wireless device 30 may perform a random access on afirst sub-band configured according to a pre-configured defaultnumerology to establish a connection with the wireless device, and thenswitch to a second sub-band configured according to a second numerologyfor data transmissions on a traffic channel. The second sub-band may beselected based on the type of the wireless device, service type, or onpredefined slice selection rules.

In some embodiments of method 100, the wireless device 30 may determinea time advance during the random access on the first sub-band, and usethe timing advance for the first sub-band for the data transmissions inthe second sub-band. In other embodiments, the wireless device 30 may,after establishing a connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node in the first sub-band, obtain a timing advance from thesecond sub-band and use the timing advance for the second sub-band fordata transmissions in the second sub-band. The timing advance may beacquired, for example, by transmitting a random access preamble in thesecond sub-band and receiving a random access response including thetiming advance in the timing advance for the second sub-band. In anotherembodiment, the mobile device 30 may transmit a reference signal in thesecond sub-band and receive a response message responsive to thereference signal including the timing advance for the second sub-band.

In some embodiments of method 100, the wireless communication network 10may support RACHs using different numerologies. In this case, theconfiguration information transmitted as part of the SI may contain alisting of two or more available numerologies for random access. Thewireless device 30 may select a sub-band configured according to one ofthe available numerologies and perform a random access in the selectedsub-band.

In one exemplary embodiment of method 100, the wireless device 30generates, based on the configuration information, a mapping associatingservice types to corresponding numerologies. When the wireless device 30needs to perform a random access, the wireless device 30 determines aservice type for the connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node and selects a sub-band configured according to a numerologyassociated with the service type. The wireless device 30 then performs arandom access on the selected sub-band. The mapping associating servicetypes to corresponding numerologies may be stored in memory of thewireless device 30.

In another embodiment of method 100, the wireless device 30 may beconfigured to select a numerology and/or sub-band based on a distance tothe base station 20 or other network node. In this embodiment, thewireless device 30 determines a distance to the base station 20 or othernetwork node and selects an available numerology based on the distance.The wireless device 30 then selects a sub-band configured according tothe selected numerology.

In other embodiments of method 100, the wireless device 30 selects asub-band and/or numerology based on a service type for the connectionwith the base station 20 or other network node and/or device type. Inthese embodiments, the wireless device 30 determines either a servicetype for a desired connection to the base station 20 or other networknode, or a device type of the wireless device 30. The wireless device 30may select a numerology based on the service type for the connectionwith the base station 20 or other network node, the device type, orboth.

In another embodiment of method 100, the configuration informationindicates a numerology for random access that is substantially the sameas the numerology for data transmissions on an UL traffic channel, suchas the shared UL channel. In this context, the numerologies aresubstantially the same if the same processing hardware in the basestation 20 or other network node can be used to receive both thepreamble transmitted by the wireless device 30 during the random accessprocedure and the user data transmissions on the UL traffic channel. Inthis case, the wireless device 30 performs the random access on asub-band configured according to a numerology indicated in the systeminformation to establish a connection to the base station 20 or othernetwork node.

FIG. 5 illustrates exemplary method 120 of random access according toanother embodiment implemented by a wireless device 30 in a mixednumerology wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies to support different services. In the method shown in FIG.5, the wireless device 30 receives SI from a base station 20 or othernetwork node in the wireless communication network (block 125). The SIcontains configuration information indicating a configuration for randomaccess. Based on the configuration information received in the SI, thewireless device 30 determines a first numerology for random access(block 130). The method 120 further comprises performing random accesson a first sub-band configured according to the indicated firstnumerology to establish a connection with the base station 20 (block135). After establishing the connection with the network node, thewireless device 30 switches to a second sub-band configured according toa second numerology for data transmission on a shared UL channel (block140). In one embodiment, the first and second sub-bands may comprise thecarrier or frequency resources used for random access and datatransmission, respectively.

In other embodiments of method 120, the wireless device 30 selects asub-band and/or numerology based on a service type for the connectionwith the base station 20 or other network node and/or device type. Inthese embodiments, the wireless device 30 determines either a servicetype for a desired connection to the base station 20 or other networknode, or a device type of the wireless device 30. The wireless device 30may select a numerology based on the service type for the connectionwith the base station 20 or other network node, the device type, orboth.

In other embodiments of method 120, the wireless device 30 selects asub-band and/or numerology based on pre-defined slice selection rules.

Some embodiments of the method 120 further comprise deriving a poweradjustment for the data transmissions on the second sub-band based on anaccumulated power adjustment on the first sub-band.

In some embodiments of method 120, the wireless device 30 may obtain atime advance during the random access on the first sub-band, and use thetiming advance for the first sub-band for the data transmissions in thesecond sub-band. In other embodiments, the wireless device 30 may, afterestablishing a connection with the base station 20 or other network nodein the first sub-band, obtain a timing advance from the second sub-bandand use the timing advance for the second sub-band for datatransmissions in the second sub-band. The timing advance may beacquired, for example, by transmitting a random access preamble in thesecond sub-band and receiving a random access response including thetiming advance in the timing advance for the second sub-band. In anotherembodiment, the mobile device 30 may transmit a reference signal in thesecond sub-band and receive a response message responsive to thereference signal including the timing advance for the second sub-band.

In one exemplary embodiment of method 120, the wireless device 30generates, based on the configuration information, a mapping associatingservice types to corresponding numerologies. When the wireless device 30needs to perform a random access, the wireless device 30 determines aservice type for the connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node and then determines the first numerology based on theservice type. The mapping associating service types to correspondingnumerologies may be stored in memory of the wireless device 30.

In some embodiments of method 120, the wireless communication network 10may support RACHs using different numerologies. In this case, theconfiguration information transmitted as part of the SI may contain alisting of two or more available numerologies for random access. In thiscase, the wireless device 30 selects a sub-band configured according toone of the available numerologies and performs a random access in theselected sub-band.

In another embodiment of method 120, the wireless device 30 may beconfigured to select the first numerology and/or sub-band based on adistance to the base station 20 or other network node. In thisembodiment, the wireless device 30 determines a distance to the basestation 20 or other network node and selects an available numerologybased on the distance as the first numerology.

In another embodiment of method 120, the wireless device 30 may beconfigured to select the first numerology and/or sub-band based on aservice type for the connection to the base station or network node. Inthis embodiment, the wireless device 30 determines a service type forthe connection to the base station or network node and selects anavailable numerology based on the service type as the first numerology.

In another embodiment of method 120, the wireless device 30 may beconfigured to select the first numerology and/or sub-band based on adevice type of the wireless device. In this embodiment, the wirelessdevice 30 determines a device type of the wireless device and selects anavailable numerology based on the device type as the first numerology.

In another embodiment of method 120, the configuration informationindicates a numerology for random access that is substantially the sameas the numerology for data transmissions on an UL traffic channel, suchas the shared UL channel. In this context, the numerologies aresubstantially the same if the same processing hardware in the basestation 20 or other network node can be used to receive both thepreamble transmitted by the wireless device 30 during the random accessprocedure and the user data transmissions on the UL traffic channel. Inthis case, the wireless device 30 performs the random access on asub-band configured according to a numerology indicated in the SI toestablish a connection to the base station 20 or other network node.

FIG. 6 illustrates exemplary method 150 of random access according toanother embodiment implemented by a wireless device 30 in a mixednumerology wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies to support different services. In this embodiment, thewireless device 30 receives SI from a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network (block 155). The SI containsconfiguration information indicating a numerology for random access. Thewireless device performs a random access on a sub-band configuredaccording to the indicated numerology to establish a connection with thebase station 20 (block 160). The indicated numerology enables the basestation 20 or other network node to process a random access preamble andsubsequent transmission on a shared UL channel using common processinghardware. In some embodiments, the method 140 further comprisestransmitting user data to the base station 20 or other network node onthe shared UL channel (block 165).

Some embodiments of method 150 further comprise, after performing arandom access, switching to a second sub-band configured according to adifferent numerology for data transmissions, such as data transmissionson an UL shared channel. In some embodiments, the secondsub-band/numerology can be selected based on one or more of a devicetype, service type, and/or distance of the wireless device from the basestation or network node. In other embodiments, the secondsub-band/numerology could be selected based on a configuration receivedfrom the network.

In some embodiments of the method 150, the wireless device 30 may obtaina time advance during the random access on the first sub-band, and usethe timing advance for the first sub-band for the data transmissions inthe second sub-band. In other embodiments, the wireless device 30 may,after establishing a connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node in the first sub-band, obtain a timing advance from thesecond sub-band and use the timing advance for the second sub-band fordata transmissions in the second sub-band. The timing advance may beacquired, for example, by transmitting a random access preamble in thesecond sub-band and receiving a random access response including thetiming advance in the timing advance for the second sub-band. In anotherembodiment, the mobile device 30 may transmit a reference signal in thesecond sub-band and receive a response message responsive to thereference signal including the timing advance for the second sub-band.

FIG. 7 illustrates exemplary method 200 of random access according toanother embodiment implemented by a wireless device 30 in a mixednumerology wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies to support different services. In this embodiment, thewireless device 30 receives SI from a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network (block 210). The SI containsconfiguration information indicating a configuration for random access.Based on the configuration information received in the SI, the wirelessdevice 30 determines a default numerology for random access (block 220).The method 200 further comprises performing random access on a firstsub-band configured according to the indicated numerology to establish aconnection with the base station 20 other network node (block 230).After establishing the connection with the network node, the wirelessdevice 30 switches to a second sub-band configured according to a secondnumerology for data transmissions (block 240).

In some embodiments of method 200, the second sub-band numerology may bedetermined based on one or more of a device type, service type, and/ordistance of the wireless device from the base station or network node.

In some embodiments of the method 200, the wireless device 30 may obtaina time advance during the random access on the first sub-band, and usethe timing advance for the first sub-band for the data transmissions inthe second sub-band. In other embodiments, the wireless device 30 may,after establishing a connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node in the first sub-band, obtain a timing advance from thesecond sub-band and use the timing advance for the second sub-band fordata transmissions in the second sub-band. The timing advance may beacquired, for example, by transmitting a random access preamble in thesecond sub-band and receiving a random access response including thetiming advance in the timing advance for the second sub-band. In anotherembodiment, the mobile device 30 may transmit a reference signal in thesecond sub-band and receive a response message responsive to thereference signal including the timing advance for the second sub-band.

FIG. 8 illustrates exemplary method 250 of random access according toanother embodiment implemented by a wireless device 30 in a mixednumerology wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies to support different services. In this embodiment, thewireless device 30 receives SI from a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network (block 260). The SI containsconfiguration information indicating two or more available numerologiesfor random access. Based on the configuration information received inthe SI, the wireless device 30 selects one of the available numerologiesfor random access (block 270). The method 250 further comprisesperforming random access on a PRACH configured according to theindicated numerology to establish a connection with the base station 20(block 280).

In some embodiments of method 250, the numerology for random access isselected based on one or more of a device type, service type, and/ordistance of the wireless device from the base station or network node.

Some embodiments of method 250 further comprise, after performing arandom access, switches to a sub-band configured according to adifferent numerology for data transmissions, such as data transmissionson an UL shared channel. The sub-band for data transmission can beselected based on one or more of a device type, service type, and/ordistance of the wireless device from the base station or network node.

In some embodiments of the method 250, the wireless device 30 may obtaina time advance during the random access, and use the timing advance forthe data transmissions in the sub-band selected for data transmission.In other embodiments, the wireless device 30 may, after establishing aconnection with the base station 20 or other network node, obtain atiming advance from the sub-band selected for data transmissions in thesecond sub-band. The timing advance may be acquired, for example, bytransmitting a random access preamble in the sub-band and receiving arandom access response including the timing advance in the timingadvance for the second sub-band. In another embodiment, the mobiledevice 30 may transmit a reference signal in the sub-band and receive aresponse message responsive to the reference signal including the timingadvance for the sub-band.

FIG. 9 illustrates the main functional components of a wireless device300, configured for use in a mixed numerology wireless communicationnetwork 10. The wireless device 300 can be configured to perform one ormore of the methods shown in FIGS. 4-8. The wireless device 300comprises a processing circuit 310, an interface circuit 340, and memory350.

The interface circuit 340 is coupled to one or more antennas (not shown)and comprises the Radio Frequency (RF) components needed forcommunicating with the base station 20 over a wireless communicationchannel. Typically, the RF components include a transmitter and receiveradapted for communications according to the NR standards or other RadioAccess Technology (RAT).

The processing circuit 310 processes the signals transmitted to orreceived by the wireless device 300. Such processing includes coding andmodulation of transmitted signals, and the demodulation and decoding ofreceived signals. The processing circuit 310 includes a systeminformation unit 315 for receiving and processing the SI and otherconfiguration information transmitted by the base station 20, aconfiguration unit 320 to configure random access procedures for thewireless device 30, and a random access unit 325 to perform randomaccess procedures. In some embodiments, processing circuit 310 of thewireless device 300 further comprises a transmitting unit 330 fortransmitting data. As one example, the transmitting unit 330 may beconfigured to transmit data on an UL shared channel. The processingcircuit 310 may comprise one or more microprocessors, hardware,firmware, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the systeminformation unit 315 and random access unit 325 are implemented by asingle microprocessor. In other embodiments, the system information unit315 and random access unit 325 are implemented using differentmicroprocessors.

Memory 350 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storingcomputer program code and data needed by the processing circuit 310 foroperation. Memory 350 may comprise any tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.Memory 350 stores a computer program 360 comprising executableinstructions that configure the processing circuit 310 to implementmethods according to FIGS. 4-8 as described herein. In general, computerprogram instructions and configuration information are stored in anon-volatile memory, such as a Read Only Memory (ROM), ErasableProgrammable Read Only Memory (EPROM) or flash memory. Temporary datagenerated during operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as aRandom Access Memory (RAM). In some embodiments, computer program 360for configuring the processing circuit 310 as herein described may bestored in a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portabledigital video disc, or other removable media. The computer program 360may also be embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, opticalsignal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

FIG. 10 illustrates another random access method 400 for a wirelesscommunication network 10 that supports multiple numerologies that areused for different service types. A wireless device 30 that needs toperform a random access to connect to the base station 20 or othernetwork node detects one or more synchronization signals transmitted bythe base station 20 or other network node (block 410). The wirelessdevice 30 determines one or more available numerologies from thedetected synchronization signals (block 420) and performs a randomaccess on a sub-band configured according to one of said availablenumerologies to establish a connection with the base station 20 or othernetwork node (block 430). In one embodiment, the sub-band comprises thecarrier frequency or frequency resources used for random access.

In some embodiments of the method 400, the wireless device 30 determinesthe numerologies of the detected synchronization signals and considersthe numerologies of the detected synchronization signals to be theavailable numerologies for random access.

In other embodiments of the method 400, the wireless device 30determines the numerologies for the detected synchronization signals andthen determines the numerologies for the RACHs from the numerologies ofthe detected synchronization signals based on a pre-determined rule.

However the available numerologies are determined, the wireless device30 may, in some embodiments of the method 400, select one of theavailable numerologies based on a service type for the desiredconnection and/or device type of the wireless device 30. In theseembodiments, the wireless device 30 determines a service type for theconnection with a base station 20 or other network node or a device typeof the wireless device. The wireless device 30 selects a sub-bandconfigured according to one of the available numerologies based on theservice type, device type, or both, and performs a random access on theselected sub-band.

FIG. 11 illustrates a wireless device 500 according to anotherembodiment. The wireless device 500 comprises a processing circuit 510,an interface circuit 540, and memory 550.

The interface circuit 540 is coupled to one or more antennas (not shown)and comprises the RF components needed for communicating with the basestation 20 over a wireless communication channel. Typically, the RFcomponents include a transmitter and receiver adapted for communicationsaccording to the NR standards or other RAT.

The processing circuit 510 processes the signals transmitted to orreceived by the wireless device 500. Such processing includes coding andmodulation of transmitted signals, and the demodulation and decoding ofreceived signals. The processing circuit 510 includes a synchronizationunit 515 for receiving and processing synchronization signalstransmitted by the base station 20, a configuration unit 520 toconfigure random access procedures for the wireless device 500, and arandom access unit 525 to perform random access procedures. In someembodiments, processing circuit 510 of the wireless device 500 furthercomprises a transmitting unit 530 for transmitting data. As one example,the transmitting (TX) unit 530 may be configured to transmit data on anUL shared channel. The processing circuit 510 may comprise one or moremicroprocessors, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. In oneembodiment, the synchronization unit 515 and random access unit 525 areimplemented by a single microprocessor. In other embodiments, thesynchronization unit 515 and random access unit 525 are implementedusing different microprocessors.

Memory 550 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storingcomputer program code and data needed by the processing circuit 510 foroperation. Memory 550 may comprise any tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.Memory 550 stores a computer program 555 comprising executableinstructions that configure the processing circuit 510 to implementmethods 400 according to FIG. 10 as described herein. In general,computer program instructions and configuration information are storedin a non-volatile memory, such as a ROM, EPROM or flash memory.Temporary data generated during operation may be stored in a volatilememory, such as a RAM. In some embodiments, computer program 555 forconfiguring the processing circuit 510 as herein described may be storedin a removable memory, such as a portable compact disc, portable digitalvideo disc, or other removable media. The computer program 555 may alsobe embodied in a carrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal,radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary random access method 600 implemented bya base station 20 or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork 10 supporting mixed numerologies for different service types.The base station 20 or other network node transmits SI to wirelessdevices 30 in an area served by the base station 20 or other networknode (block 610). The SI contains configuration information for randomaccess enabling the wireless devices 30 in the service area of the basestation 20 to determine at least one available numerology for randomaccess. The base station 20 or other network node monitors a randomaccess channel in one or more sub-bands configured according to theavailable numerology or numerologies (block 620). In one embodiment, thesub-band comprises the carrier or frequency resources used for randomaccess.

In some embodiments, the configuration information indicates two or moreavailable numerologies for random access and the base station 20 orother network node monitors random access channels in sub-bandsconfigured according to two or more available numerologies. In oneembodiment, the configuration information indicates an availablenumerology for random access that is the same as or substantiallysimilar to a numerology used by the base station 20 or other networknode to receive data transmissions on an UL traffic channel. In thisembodiment, the method 600 further comprises receiving a preambletransmitted by a wireless device 30 using the processing hardwareadapted to receive data transmissions from the wireless device 30 on theUL traffic channel.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary random access method 630 according toanother embodiment implemented by a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies for different service types. The base station 20 or othernetwork node transmits SI to wireless devices 30 in an area served bythe base station 20 or other network node (block 640). The SI containsconfiguration information for random access enabling the wirelessdevices 30 in the service area of the base station 20 to determine afirst numerology for random access. The base station 20 or other networknode monitors a random access channel configured according to the firstnumerology (block 650). The method 630 further comprises receiving, bythe base station 20 or other network node, a random access preamble fromthe wireless device 30 on a first sub-band configured according to thefirst numerology (block 660). The base station 20 or other network nodesubsequently receives an UL transmission from the wireless device 30 ona shared UL channel in a second sub-band configured according to asecond numerology different from the first numerology (block 670). Inone embodiment, the first and second sub-bands may comprise the carrieror frequency resources used for random access and UL shard channel,respectively.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary random access method 700 according toanother embodiment implemented by a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies for different service types. The base station 20 or othernetwork node transmits SI to wireless devices 30 in an area served bythe base station 20 or other network node (block 710). The SI containsconfiguration information including two or more available numerologiesfor random access. The base station 20 or other network node monitorsrandom access channels in sub-bands configured according the availablenumerologies (block 720). The method further comprises receiving, by thebase station 20 or other network node, a random access preamble from thewireless device on a sub-band configured according to one of theavailable numerologies (block 730).

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary random access method 750 according toanother embodiment implemented by a base station 20 or other networknode in the wireless communication network 10 supporting mixednumerologies for different service types. The base station 20 or othernetwork node transmits SI to wireless devices 30 in an area served bythe base station 20 or other network node (block 760). The SI containsconfiguration information indicating a numerology for random access. Thebase station 20 or other network node monitors a random access channelconfigured according to the indicated numerology (block 770). In someembodiments, the base station 20 subsequently receives a preambletransmitted on the random access channel using processing hardwareadapted to receive data transmissions from the wireless device on ashared UL channel (block 780).

FIG. 16 illustrates the main functional components of a network node800, such as a base station, configured for use in a mixed numerologywireless communication network 10. The network node 800 comprises aprocessing circuit 810, an interface circuit 830, and memory 840.

The interface circuit 830 is coupled to one or more antennas (not shown)and comprises the RF components needed for communicating with thewireless devices 30 over a wireless communication channel. Typically,the RF components include a transmitter and receiver adapted forcommunications according to the NR standards or other RAT.

The processing circuit 810 processes the signals transmitted to orreceived by the network node 800. Such processing includes coding andmodulation of transmitted signals, and the demodulation and decoding ofreceived signals. The processing circuit 810 includes a SI unit 815 forgenerating and transmitting the SI and other configuration informationto wireless devices 30 in the area served by the base station 800, and arandom access unit 820 to monitor the random access channels and performrandom access procedures. In some embodiments, the processing circuit810 further comprises a receiving (RX) unit 825 for receivingtransmissions from the wireless device in the PRACH and/or USCH. Theprocessing circuit 810 may comprise one or more microprocessors,hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the SIunit 815, random access unit 820 and RX unit 825 are implemented by asingle microprocessor. In other embodiments, the SI unit 815 and randomaccess unit 820 are implemented using different microprocessors.

Memory 840 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storingcomputer program code and data needed by the processing circuit 810 foroperation. Memory 840 may comprise any tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.Memory 840 stores a computer program 850 comprising executableinstructions that configure the processing circuit 810 to implementmethods according to FIGS. 12-15. In general, computer programinstructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatilememory, such as a ROM, EPROM or flash memory. Temporary data generatedduring operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a RAM. Insome embodiments, computer program 850 for configuring the processingcircuit 810 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory,such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or otherremovable media. The computer program (850) may also be embodied in acarrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, orcomputer readable storage medium.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary random access method 900 implemented bya base station 20 or other network node in the wireless communicationnetwork 10 supporting mixed numerologies for different service types.The base station 20 or other network node transmits one or moresynchronization signals to wireless devices 30 in an area served by thebase station 20 or other network node (block 910). The synchronizationsignals implicitly indicate the available numerology or numerologiesused for random access to the wireless devices 30 in the service area ofthe base station 20. The base station 20 or other network node monitorsa random access channel in one or more sub-bands configured according tothe available numerology or numerologies (block 920). In someembodiments, the configuration information indicates two or moreavailable numerologies for random access and the base station 20 orother network node monitors random access channels in sub-bandsconfigured according to two or more available numerologies.

In one embodiment, the configuration information indicates an availablenumerology for random access that is the same as or substantiallysimilar to a numerology used by the base station 20 or other networknode to receive data transmissions on an UL traffic channel. In thisembodiment, the method 900 further comprises receiving a preambletransmitted by a wireless device 30 using the processing hardwareadapted to receive data transmissions from the wireless device 30 on theUL traffic channel.

FIG. 18 illustrates the main functional components of a network node1000, such as a base station 20, configured for use in a mixednumerology wireless communication network 10. The network node 1000comprises a processing circuit 1010, an interface circuit 1030, andmemory 1040.

The interface circuit 1030 is coupled to one or more antennas (notshown) and comprises the RF components needed for communicating with thewireless devices 30 over a wireless communication channel. Typically,the RF components include a transmitter and receiver adapted forcommunications according to the NR standards or other RAT.

The processing circuit 1010 processes the signals transmitted to orreceived by the network node 1000. Such processing includes coding andmodulation of transmitted signals, and the demodulation and decoding ofreceived signals. The processing circuit 1010 includes a synchronizationunit 1015 for generating and transmitting synchronization signals towireless devices 30 in the area served by the base station 1000, and arandom access unit 1020 to monitor the random access channels andperform random access procedures. In some embodiments, the processingcircuit 1010 further comprises a receiving (RX) unit 1025 for receivingtransmissions from the wireless device in the PRACH and/or USCH. Theprocessing circuit 1010 may comprise one or more microprocessors,hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, thesynchronization unit 1015, random access unit 1020 and RX unit 1025 areimplemented by a single microprocessor. In other embodiments, thesynchronization unit 1015 and random access unit 1020 are implementedusing different microprocessors.

Memory 1040 comprises both volatile and non-volatile memory for storingcomputer program code and data needed by the processing circuit 1010 foroperation. Memory 1040 may comprise any tangible, non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium for storing data including electronic,magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or semiconductor data storage.Memory 1040 stores a computer program 1050 comprising executableinstructions that configure the processing circuit 1010 to implementmethods 900 according to FIG. 17. In general, computer programinstructions and configuration information are stored in a non-volatilememory, such as a ROM, EPROM or flash memory. Temporary data generatedduring operation may be stored in a volatile memory, such as a RAM. Insome embodiments, computer program 1050 for configuring the processingcircuit 1010 as herein described may be stored in a removable memory,such as a portable compact disc, portable digital video disc, or otherremovable media. The computer program (1050) may also be embodied in acarrier such as an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, orcomputer readable storage medium.

FIG. 19 illustrates a wireless device 1100 according to anotherembodiment configured to perform the methods of FIGS. 4-8 as hereindescribed. The wireless device 1110 includes a system information module1110, a configuration module 1120, and a random access module 1130. Thesystem information module 1110 is configured to receive and process theSI and other configuration information transmitted by the base stationor other network node. The SI may comprise configuration informationindicating a configuration for random access, and/or configurationinformation indicating one or more available numerologies. Theconfiguration module 1120 is adapted to determine a sub-band andconfigure random access procedures for the wireless device 1100 based onthe configuration information as herein described. The random accessmodule 1120 is configured to determine a sub-band/numerology for randomaccess and perform random access procedures as herein described. Someembodiments may further include a transmitting (TX) module 1130 fortransmitting data. As one example, the TX module 1130 may be configuredto transmit data on a PRACH and/or an UL shared channel. The variousmodules 1110, 1120, and 1130 can be implemented by hardware and/or bysoftware code that is executed by a processor or processing circuit.

FIG. 20 illustrates a wireless device 1150 according to anotherembodiment configured to perform the method of FIG. 10 as hereindescribed. The wireless device 1150 includes a synchronization module1160, and a random access module 1170. The synchronization module 1160is configured to receive and process the synchronization signalstransmitted by a base station or network node. The random access module1170 is configured to determine a sub-band/numerology for random accessand perform random access procedures as herein described. Someembodiments may further include a transmitting (TX) module 1180 fortransmitting data. As one example, the TX module 1180 may be configuredto transmit data on a PRACH and/or an UL shared channel. The variousmodules 1160, 1170, and 1180 can be implemented by hardware and/or bysoftware code that is executed by a processor or processing circuit.

FIG. 21 illustrates a network node (e.g., base station) 1200 accordingto another embodiment configured to perform the methods of FIGS. 12-15as herein described. The network node 1200 includes a system information(SI) module 1210 and a random access module 1220. The system information(SI) module 1210 is configured to generate and transmit the SI and otherconfiguration information to wireless devices in the area served by thenetwork node 1200. The random access module 1220 is configured tomonitor the random access channels and perform random access procedures.In some embodiments, the network node 1200 further comprises a receiving(RX) module 1230 for receiving transmissions from the wireless device inthe PRACH and/or USCH. The various modules 1210, 1220, and 1230 can beimplemented by hardware and/or by software code that is executed by aprocessor or processing circuit.

FIG. 22 illustrates a network node (e.g., base station) 1250 accordingto another embodiment perform the methods of FIG. 17 as hereindescribed. The network node 1250 includes a synchronization module 1260and a random access module 1270. The synchronization module 1260 isconfigured to generate the synchronization signals and transmit thesynchronization signal to wireless devices in an area served by thenetwork node 1250. The random access module 1270 is configured tomonitor the random access channels and perform random access procedures.In some embodiments, the network node 1250 further comprises a receiving(RX) module 1280 for receiving transmissions from the wireless device inthe PRACH and/or USCH. The various modules 1260, 1270, and 1280 can beimplemented by hardware and/or by software code that is executed by aprocessor or processing circuit.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of random access implemented by awireless device in a mixed numerology New Radio (NR) communicationnetwork, said method comprising: receiving system information from anetwork node, said system information containing a System InformationBlock (SIB) indicating a configuration for random access; selecting afirst numerology for random access from two or more numerologiesavailable for random access as indicated by the SIB; and performing arandom access on a frequency resource configured according to the firstnumerology to establish a connection with the network node.
 2. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first SIB comprises a defaultconfiguration for random access.
 3. The method of claim 1 whereindetermining a first numerology for random access based on the SIBcomprises: generating, based on said SIB, a mapping associating servicetypes to corresponding numerologies; determining a service type for theconnection with the network node; and determining the first numerologybased on the service type.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein selectingthe first numerology from the two or more numerologies available forrandom access as indicated by said SIB comprises: determining a servicetype for the connection with the network node; and selecting the firstnumerology from said available numerologies based on the service type.5. The method of claim 1 wherein selecting the first numerology from thetwo or more numerologies available for random access as indicated bysaid SIB comprises: determining a device type of the wireless device;and selecting the first numerology from said available numerologiesbased on the device type.
 6. A method implemented by a network node in amixed numerology New Radio (NR) communication network, said methodcomprising: transmitting system information to a wireless device in anarea served by the network node, said system information containing aSystem Information Block (SIB) for random access enabling said wirelessdevice to determine a first numerology for random access, wherein theSIB indicates two or more available numerologies for random access;monitoring random access channels in one or more frequency resourcesconfigured according to the two or more of said available numerologies;receiving a random access preamble from the wireless device on one ofsaid one or more frequency resource configured according to the firstnumerology.
 7. A wireless device configured for use in a mixednumerology New Radio (NR) communication network, the wireless devicecomprising: an interface circuit for communicating with a network node;a processing circuit configured to: receive system information from anetwork node in said wireless communication network, said systeminformation containing a System Information Block (SIB) indicating aconfiguration for random access; select the first numerology from two ormore numerologies available for random access as indicated by said SIB;perform a random access on a frequency resource configured according tothe first numerology to establish a connection with the network node. 8.The wireless device of claim 7 wherein the first SIB comprises a defaultconfiguration for random access.
 9. The wireless device of claim 7wherein the processing circuit is further configured to: generate, basedon said SIB, a mapping associating service types to correspondingnumerologies; determine a service type for the connection with thenetwork node; and determine the first numerology based on the servicetype.
 10. The wireless device of claim 7 wherein the processing circuitis further configured to: determine a service type for the connectionwith the network node; and select the first numerology from saidavailable numerologies based on the service type.
 11. The wirelessdevice of claim 7 wherein the processing circuit is further configuredto: determine a device type of the wireless device; and select the firstnumerology from said available numerologies based on the device type.12. A network node in a mixed numerology New Radio (NR) communicationnetwork, the network node comprising: an interface circuit forcommunicating with wireless devices in an area served by the networknode; a processing circuit configured to: transmit system information towireless devices in an area served by the network node, said systeminformation containing a System Information Block (SIB) for randomaccess enabling said wireless devices to determine a first numerologyfor random access, wherein the SIB indicates two or more availablenumerologies for random access; monitor random access channels in one ormore frequency resources configured according to the two or more of saidavailable numerologies; and receive a random access preamble from thewireless device on one of said one or more frequency resource configuredaccording to the first numerology.
 13. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium containing a computer programcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingcircuit in a wireless device causes the wireless device to: receivesystem information from a network node in said New Radio (NR)communication network, said system information containing a SystemInformation Block (SIB) indicating a configuration for random access;select the first numerology from two or more numerologies available forrandom access as indicated by said SIB; and perform a random access on afrequency resource configured according to the first numerology toestablish a connection with the network node.
 14. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium containing a computer programcomprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingcircuit in a network node causes the network node to: transmit systeminformation to wireless devices in an area served by the network node,said system information containing a System Information Block (SIB) forrandom access enabling said wireless devices to determine a firstnumerology for random access, wherein the SIB indicates two or moreavailable numerologies for random access; monitor random access channelsin one or more frequency resources configured according to the two ormore of said available numerologies; and receive a random accesspreamble from the wireless device on one of said one or more frequencyresource configured according to the first numerology.